Which throne for a (Wheat) King?

As it stands, Brayden Schenn is expected to be on his way to Manchester. But does he have a return ticket to Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles Kings are planning to send the 19-year-old prospect to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint. Schenn would be eligible to stay on the Kings’ AHL affiliate for up to 14 days. At that time, it is back to prime time or bus rides.

Kings’ general manager Dean Lombardi would have two weeks to decide whether Schenn’s stint in the minors will result in a call up or a trip to the Brandon Wheat Kings, whom Schenn spent last season with.

Schenn has played eight games in the NHL this season. Two more and the first year of his three-year entry level deal kicks in, bringing him a season closer to restricted free agency. He has underperformed on the scoresheet with just two assists, but has impressed with his solid play in all three zones.

But many believe the fifth overall pick from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is best suited in the Western Hockey League playing 25 minutes a game as opposed to a dozen a night with the Kings.

The concern for Schenn is the lack of ice time could stunt the development of the promising prospect. Others will counter with the idea that playing regularly against the best will be best for the Saskatoon, SK. native.

The Kings may be leaning toward reuniting Schenn with the Wheat Kings.

“My gut feeling on it is that he might need to go back and play, go to junior and play,” head coach Terry Murray told the Los Angeles Times a week ago.

Instead, the team has opted for Manchester, at least temporarily, until they decide what is best for Brayden Schenn.